You're the second person I've seen say this... Do you REALLY think it makes that much difference?
From the terminal, I'd probably take Will Clayton. But, from the rental car center? JFK south is pretty easy.. they have a flyover left exit right onto Beltway 8 east... traffic is rarely that bad in that area.
You have to go north (wrong way) to Will Clayton. I don't see how it saves any time??
You are right. It depends on which rental car company is used. Some are on JFK, and some are on Will Clayton.
IF the rental car is picked up on Will Clayton, then Will Clayton takes you easily to 59 South.
IF the car rental is on JFK, I would go south to Beltway 8 and then head east for a mile to 59 South. That’s just me.
If the time of day is 7-930 a.m. I would consider the Hardy Toll Road into Houston to avoid some of the inbound traffic. Otherwise, 59 South is better.